A Very, Very Special Berry

July 7, 2014

The Amla Berry is one of Mother Nature’s greatest hits; a multi-tasking, incredibly therapeutic fruit that we utilise in River Veda’s Replenish Anti-Aging skincare range as an important ingredient to assist the skin to glow and look youthful and vibrant.

Revered for thousands of years across Asia for its healing powers, Western scientists and medical experts have also taken greater note of the berry in recent years, thanks to a series of studies which have confirmed the extraordinary range of health benefits it delivers. As a skincare ingredient, for example, Amla has been extensively clinically tested, with results showing it can assist the skin stay healthy and youthful looking.

It’s worth taking a closer look at this super-fruit and its potent, broad-spectrum healing powers.

The legends surrounding the amla tree indicate its significance across the Asian continent and most especially in India. It is said, for example, that the amla berry came from the first tree to appear on Earth, manifested out of the tears of Brahma as he was meditating, whilst Indian folklore also places the amla tree as the dwelling place of the divine lovers, Krishna and Radha.
Whatever its genesis, the amla tree has long been revered by Ayurvedic medical practitioners as the most important raysana (raysanas being herbs, spices and fruits which contribute to longevity, good health and wellbeing). When you see the list of benefits (listed below) associated with using amla, it’s easy to understand the enthusiasm ayurvedic practitioners have for it!

Scientific Research:

Recently, a series of scientific studies* have helped confirm what many across Asia have known for centuries – that the amla berry contains properties that can significantly benefit our health. Included amongst these studies are findings that:

Amla extract possesses strong anti-oxidative properties and helps stimulate collagen, which is important in keeping the skin healthy and protecting against aging – http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874108002961

Amla extract can help protect the skin against the effects of UVB rays, another important element in terms of anti-aging and maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin – http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110005404

List of Benefits:
The evidence – both scientific and anecdotal – supporting the wondrous properties of the amla berry is compelling. Listed below (as well as in the image above) is a list of the benefits which might be gained from amla, many of them supported by centuries of use by ayurvedic practitioners:

– Great for the skin and protects against ageing
– Excellent source of Vitamin C
– Acts as an antioxidant
– Nourishes the hair
– Flushes out toxins, regulates elimination and helps the urinary system
– Supports healthy cardiovascular function
– Aids with digestion and regulates stomach acids
– Increases alertness and the proper functioning of the brain
– Strengthens the eyes
– Supports the immune system

This is quite a list! Whilst our use of amla at World Organic is confined to the benefits it can bring to your skin, it’s easy to see why we love this very special berry so much and believe it to stand amongst the most important ingredients we use in our products.

* Disclaimer: Whilst the studies listed above indicate the potential medical benefits offered by the amla berry, it is important for anyone to follow the advice of their doctor when it comes to the treatment of disease. Amla should not be used in place of any drugs prescribed by your doctor or without consultation.